Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti has said that a decision on Antonio Rudiger's involvement against Girona is yet to be made, but Vinicius Junior is ready to start.
Rudiger picked up a thigh injury during the La Liga clash with Getafe on February 1, and he was unable to recover from the issue in time for the Madrid derby last weekend.
Vinicius, meanwhile, pulled out of the starting XI against Atletico Madrid at the final moment due to a neck problem, although he was able to be named on the bench.
Ancelotti revealed during his press conference on Friday that Vinicius would be available in a huge boost for the current La Liga leaders, who are two points clear of second-placed Girona at the summit.
However, a decision on Rudiger, who has been named in the squad, will not be made until Saturday morning.
"Rudiger is feeling good. He had a good feeling in training today but we will have to wait until tomorrow to see how he feels. Vinicius is fine," Ancelotti told reporters. "Yes, Vinicius is definitely ready to play the full 90 minutes."
Real Madrid have suffered a fresh fitness blow, with Nacho being ruled out due to a muscular problem, but Ancelotti has said that he will be available for next week's Champions League last-16 first leg with RB Leipzig.
"Nacho will be fine for Tuesday," said the manager when asked about the length of the defender's absence.
Aurelien Tchouameni is also available again following a suspension, but Thibaut Courtois, Eder Militao and David Alaba remain unavailable for selection on Saturday.
"It's going to be a demanding game because Girona are doing the best along with Real Madrid and we have the utmost respect for them," added Ancelotti when asked about this weekend's opponents.
"Girona are a team with a lot of enthusiasm and a lot of desire and we know that. Tomorrow's game won't decide anything in La Liga but one of the two teams can take advantage.
"We have held up well in January and now in February comes the Champions League. We are doing well despite the emergency at centre-back and we can look forward to a positive month."
Real Madrid boast a record of 18 wins, four draws and one defeat from 23 league matches this season, while they have comfortably the best defensive record in the division, having only conceded 15 times despite being without their number one goalkeeper and two key defenders. body check tags ::
